Faults:

After taking delivery of the car, I had to bring her back to the dealer after 2 weeks due to a very loud clanking noise coming from the back left. Mechanic's report stated fire extinguisher in the boot was probable cause and didn't even test drive the car. Noise continued and was eventually repaired when the car was 2 months old. Mechanic wouldn't tell me what was wrong.

I then had to get an electronic piece replaced in the on-board computer which took 2 months.

Now my car is 5 months old and the clutch and gearbox have to be replaced. Mechanic in dealership said 'it is a construction fault'.

General Comments:

Beautiful car to look at - very stylish, but I would also like reliability.

Faults:

Selespeed gearbox stuck in neutral.

On board computer failed.

Trim falling off.

Badly made leather seats.

Front spoiler fell off.

Alarm would not turn off.

General Comments:

If cars could be considered eye candy then the Alfa takes top prize. Simply (in all senses of the word) beautiful design, inside and out.

Ergonomics are spot on.

Very slow for 2.0 unit - lacking torque and bhp.

Even on optional 17" alloys (also beautiful), ride is superb and the handling is excellent - best in class.

Definite leap forward for Alfa - maybe the next model year (engine?) will be a classic.

Faults:

Front indicators filled with water leading to error messages.

Rubber trim fell off in the cabin behind rear window.

General Comments:

The design is stunning and the interior matches.

All cars have some faults, these have been dealt with quickly.

Performance is well above my expectations - the selespeed is a revelation when you have learnt to use it properly.

Comfortable, fast, stylish and superb value for money. It is better than my old Mercedes.

Faults:

Had what I believe is a common problem with the VDC/ABs system failure. Systems still worked, but to get rid of message on display had to re-start engine, the fault was due to a faulty sensor in the brake pedal. My local Afla dealer sorted it free of charge.

General Comments:

This is the best car I have driven. It is also the most comfy, if you can get the sports momo leather seats, definitely worth it! The Selespeed gearbox is the dogs, great flipping down a gear F1 style and hearing the engine blip as you fly by the rest of the traffic. This is a seriously quick car and get from 70 to 100 in no time. 0-60 is fast as well, it is supposed to be 9.3 seconds, I reckon near 7.5-8! Also this care gets so many looks around town and in in traffic. Also most people seem to go for the 1.6 or manual 2.0, so i don't see many of the selespeeds on the road, which makes me feel a bit special!

Faults:

The car had the common VDC/ABS system failure caused by a faulty brake sensor. Dealer replaced it without fuss and all has been well since.

General Comments:

A fantastically styled car - and for once the 5 door model looks prettier than the 3 door version.

The cars handles superbly on 17" sports alloy wheels although they do contribute to more road noise at speed. The ride is a little firm around town, but not nearly as bad as British car magazines would have you believe.

Performance from the 2.0 engine is good, but not as good as the previous Seat Leon Cupra that I owned. However, having previously owned a 156 with this engine, I know from personal experience that once run in, this engine is the smoothest 4 cylinder engine you'll find anywhere.

The interior with MOMO leather is comfortable and stylish.

Also if you buy one of these, you MUST specify the BOSE sound system which is truly exceptional.

One other thing I would say is that if you are going to buy one of these cars, import it! I saved over £3000 on fully loaded example and I think it represents extraordinary value for money compared to everything else in it's class.

Faults:

CD Changer in boot was faulty.

Clutch pedal squeaky.

Light in boot did not work.

Vibration noise in panel in back of car.

Spare key faulty.

Dealer sorted all of the problems out except for the last two.

General Comments:

Very comfortable car.

Heavy on petrol though.

Handling is very good.

Test drove the Audi A3 as well and was much more impressed with the Alfa.